PF/XTech/HTML5/A11ySnapshot2008-08

Shapshot of HTML5 Accessibility Issues Currently "in play", August 2008

Note: this page is based on information originally compiled by Laura Carlson on 14 August 2008

In response to a query about the direction of HTML5 and the possible positive and negative effects on accessibility of changes in the specification, Laura Carlson, an HTML WG member, prepared the following summation:

Proper Usage of the alt Attribute

One of the biggest change between the first draft and the second draft of HTML5, was that the majority of the usage examples and code samples were removed. Usage examples and code samples from HTML WG Action 54 first draft are being refined and most have now been submitted as Techniques for WCAG 2.0. If they are accepted, the action 54 document will link to them there.

The W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) is the accessibility authority.

The curly braces proposal in the editor's draft doesn't appear to be a text equivalent per WCAG. The HTML WG needs to be sure deliverables satisfy accessibility requirements. PF are the go-to-guys for guidance in accessibility matters. PF's counsel is needed BEFORE any particular solution is chosen to be added to the next published draft. The curly braces proposal should not be published outside of an editor's draft without consultation and collaboration with PF.